VIVUS (Nasdaq: VVUS) shares are higher on the session following improving payment metrics for its obesity drug Qsymia.

According to Bloomberg Industries, Qsymia's prescription insurer payment rate rose 5 points in its second week to 36 percent.

Initial estimates from the company called for a minimal initial coverage rate.

Bloomberg Industries noted that the news could be a boon for peer Arena Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq: ARNA) and its Belviq. Traders are likely to keep an eye on Orexigen (Nasdaq: OREX), which is working on the weight-loss pill Contrave.